A Long Beach police officer was stabbed multiple times Friday afternoon while responding to a trouble call in the heart of downtown, authorities said. The officer was rushed to a local hospital and later released, and police say the injuries are not expected to be life-threatening. A suspect was arrested at the scene after several federal air marshals working nearby jumped in to help officers take him down.
Scene and response
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched around 2:42 p.m. on April 17 to the 200 block of West Broadway following a report of an unknown trouble call. Dispatchers told officers that a person in the area might be armed.
Police said officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but a use of force unfolded and the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed an officer multiple times. The knife was recovered at the scene. Homicide detectives responded and took over the investigation, and preliminary information indicates several people had been involved in a fight before officers arrived.
Federal marshals step in
Four Department of Homeland Security federal air marshals who were on a security assignment nearby saw the attack and rushed in to help officers subdue the suspect, according to CBS News Los Angeles. The outlet reported that the wounded officer was taken to a local hospital, treated, released and is expected to recover.
CBS News Los Angeles identified the suspect as 44-year-old Torrance resident Arturo Fernandez. He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, with bail set at $1,000,000.
Police chief reacts
Chief Wally Hebeish called the attack a stark reminder of the risks officers face on routine calls and praised both additional Long Beach officers and the federal air marshals who helped bring the suspect into custody, CBS News Los Angeles reported.
"This officer put himself in harm's way in the defense of others," Hebeish said in a statement, adding that he was grateful the officer is expected to recover.
Grand Prix weekend backdrop
The stabbing took place during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. The race's official site lists April 17-19, 2026, as the event dates. The annual street race is known for drawing large crowds and typically brings added security and street closures downtown, which meant the area was busier than usual when the incident unfolded.
Investigation and how to help
After being medically cleared, the suspect was booked at the Long Beach City Jail on an attempted murder charge with bail set at $1,000,000, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Homicide detectives plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office next week.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes or Lisette Temblador at (562) 570-7244 or call Crime Stoppers. The department's full statement is available from the Long Beach Police Department.
